Combination toothbrush and mirror device for dental examination

Abstract

Disclosed is a combination toothbrush and mirror device configured to be used in dental examinations. The device contains a handle, shank, and head with bristles being on the front surface and a mirror being on the back surface. The mirror may be embedded, selectively detachable or attached using a tilt mechanism allowing the mirror to be held in a particular orientation by resistance or a fastening element.

1 . A dental examination device, comprising:
 a handle attached to a shank attached to a head, the head having a front and back surface;   a plurality of bristles extending from the front surface of the head, defining a brushing surface; and   a mirror coupled to the back surface of the head.   
     
     
         2 . The dental examination device of  claim 1 , wherein the mirror has a polygonal shape. 
     
     
         3 . The dental examination device of  claim 2 , wherein the polygonal shape is rectangular. 
     
     
         4 . The dental examination device of  claim 1 , wherein the mirror has no edges. 
     
     
         5 . The dental examination device of  claim 4 , wherein the mirror is circular, oval, or a rounded shaped. 
     
     
         6 . The dental examination device of  claim 1 , wherein the mirror is integrated to the back surface of the head. 
     
     
         7 . The dental examination device of  claim 6 , wherein the mirror is embedded in the back surface of the head. 
     
     
         8 . The dental examination device of  claim 6 , wherein the mirror is attached using an adhesive to the back surface of the head. 
     
     
         9 . The dental examination device of  claim 1 , wherein the mirror is coupled to the back surface of the head by an elongated member attached on one end to the mirror and on the other end to the shank or handle. 
     
     
         10 . The dental examination device of  claim 1 , wherein the mirror is selectively detachable from the back surface of the head. 
     
     
         11 . The dental examination device of  claim 7 , wherein the mirror is attached to the back surface of the head by a hook configured to engage around the shank. 
     
     
         12 . The dental examination device of  claim 7 , wherein the mirror is attached to the back surface of the head by a friction fit cap. 
     
     
         13 . The dental examination device of  claim 7 , wherein the mirror is attached to an attachable element that is configured to secure around the head while keeping the bristles exposed. 
     
     
         14 . The dental examination device of  claim 1 , wherein the mirror is attached to the back surface by a tilt mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The dental examination device of  claim 14 , wherein the tilt mechanism provides movement of the mirror relative to the back surface. 
     
     
         16 . The dental examination device of  claim 14 , wherein the tilt mechanism holds the mirror in a particular orientation using resistance. 
     
     
         17 . The dental examination device of  claim 14 , wherein the tilt mechanism holds the mirror in a particular orientation by a fastening element. 
     
     
         18 . A method for examining a patient's mouth, comprising:
 providing the dental examination device of  claim 1 ;   placing the dental examination device in the patient's mouth;   brushing the patient's teeth with the brushing surface; and   visualizing the patient's teeth with the mirror.